LGUs to continue utilizing schools as isolation centers

CEBU, Philippines —  The Regional Inter-Agency Task Force for the Management of Emerging Infectious Diseases (RIATF-MEID) has allowed the local government units (LGUs) in Central Visayas to continue using public schools as isolation centers, but only until August 15.

This after officials from the provinces of Cebu, Bohol and Negros Oriental asked the Department of Education (DepEd-7) to extend the use of schools for COVID-19 patients.

DepEd-7 Regional Director Salustiano Jimenez endorsed the request to RIATF-MEID for approval.

“The RIATF-MEID favorably acted on the request based on the recommendation of DepEd-7 to extend the use of schools as isolation facilities but until August 15, 2020 only,” the RIATF Resolution No. 18 read.

The extension of the usage of classrooms after August 15, however, is unlikely considering the opening of classes on August 24.

While face-to-face classes are still not allowed, teachers are still required to go to schools in preparation for the opening of classes.

RIATF-MEID said though LGUs may still lobby for an extension, but the approval would be up to Secretary Eduardo Año, Department of the Interior and Local Government secretary and IATF-MEID vice-chairperson; and Secretary Carlito Galvez Jr., chief implementer of the Philippines' Declared National Policy Against COVID-19 and presidential adviser on Peace, Reconciliation and Unity.

The request must also be furnished to DepEd Secretary Leonor Briones.

Liloan, Cebu Mayor Christina Frasco, president of the League of Municipalities of the Philippines in Cebu, said classrooms are needed to help LGUs curb the spread of COVID-19.

“It’s a fact that there are positive cases in many of our towns. And naa sad gyuy mga panimalay nga dili viable for home quarantine and this is the reason why the schools are very important to be used as isolation facilities for purposes of containment pud ni siya,” Frasco was quoted by Sugbo News, the Capitol’s official news site, to have said.

Towns and cities that lack isolation facilities for probable, suspected, and positive cases of COVID-19, as well as locally stranded individuals (LSI) asked DepEd prior to temporarily use the classrooms to accommodate those who need to be quarantined. — KQD (FREEMAN)